Energy storage and delivery system and method

ABSTRACT

An energy storage and delivery system includes an elevator cage, where the elevator cage is operable to move one or more blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation to store energy (e.g., via the potential energy of the block in the higher elevation) and operable to move one or more blocks from the higher elevation to the lower elevation (e.g., by gravity) to generate electricity (e.g., via the kinetic energy of the block when moved to the lower elevation). The blocks are moved between the lower elevation and the higher elevation by an equal vertical distance.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND Field

The invention is directed to an energy storage and delivery system, andmore particularly to an energy storage and delivery system and methodfor storing and delivering electricity via the vertical movement ofblocks or bricks.

Description of the Related Art

Power generation from renewable energy sources (e.g., solar power, windpower, hydroelectric power, biomass, etc.) continues to grow. However,many of these renewable energy sources (e.g., solar power, wind power)are intermittent an unpredictable, limiting the amount of electricitythat can be delivered to the grid from intermittent renewable energysources.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there is a need for improved system to capture electricitygenerated by renewable energy sources for predictable delivery to theelectrical grid. As used herein, the electrical grid is aninterconnected network for delivery of electricity from producers toconsumers and spans a large geographical region, including cities,states and/or countries.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a gravity drivenpower storage and delivery system is provided. An example gravity drivenpower storage and delivery system includes an elevator cage operable tostore energy by moving one or more blocks from a lower elevation to ahigher elevation and operable to generate electricity by moving one ormore blocks from a higher elevation to a lower elevation under the forceof gravity.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the energy storageand delivery system can in one example store solar power to produceoff-hours electricity. The energy storage and delivery system can move aplurality of blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation tostore solar energy as potential energy in the blocks during daylighthours when solar electricity is abundant. The energy storage system canthen operate to move the blocks from the higher elevation to a lowerelevation during nighttime to drive a generator to produce electricityfor delivery to the power grid.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure a method for storingand generating electricity is provided. The method comprises operatingan elevator cage on a tower to move a plurality of blocks from a lowerelevation on the tower to a higher elevation on the tower to storeenergy in the blocks, each of the blocks storing an amount of energycorresponding to a potential energy amount of the block. The method alsocomprises operating the elevator cage to move the blocks from a higherelevation on the tower to a lower elevation on the tower under a forceof gravity, thereby generating an amount of electricity corresponding toa kinetic energy amount of said one or more blocks when moved from thehigher elevation to the lower elevation. The method includes moving theblocks so that the average load on the tower is approximately constantduring operation of the crane or elevator cage.

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, an energy storage anddelivery system is provided comprising one or more modules. Each modulecomprises a plurality of blocks and a frame having a vertical heightabove a foundation defined by a plurality of rows that extendhorizontally. The frame includes an upper section having a first set ofrows, each of the first set of rows configured to receive and support aplurality of blocks thereon, a lower section having a second set ofrows, each of the second set of rows configured to receive and support aplurality of blocks thereon, an intermediate section between the uppersection and the lower section that is free of blocks, a pair of elevatorshafts disposed on opposite ends of the plurality of rows, and anelevator cage movably disposed in each of the pair of elevator shaftsand operatively coupled to an electric motor-generator, the elevatorcage sized to receive and support one or more blocks therein. Theelevator cage in each of the pair of elevator shafts is operable to moveone or more blocks from alternating rows of the second set of rows tocorresponding alternating rows of the first set of rows to store andamount of electrical energy corresponding to a potential energy amountof said blocks. The elevator cage in each of the pair of elevator shaftsis operable to move one or more blocks from alternating rows of thefirst set of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the second set ofrows under a force of gravity to generate an amount of electricity. Theelevator cage moves said blocks between each of the second set of rowsand each of the corresponding first set of rows along a same verticaldistance.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an energy storageand delivery system is provided. The system comprises a plurality ofblocks and a frame having a vertical height above a foundation definedby a plurality of rows that extend horizontally. The frame includes anupper section having a first set of rows, each of the first set of rowsconfigured to receive and support a plurality of blocks thereon, a lowersection having a second set of rows, each of the second set of rowsconfigured to receive and support a plurality of blocks thereon, anintermediate section between the upper section and the lower sectionthat is free of blocks, and a pair of elevator shafts disposed onopposite ends of the plurality of rows. A trolley is movably coupled toeach row in one or both of the first set of rows and the second set ofrows, the trolley operable to travel beneath the blocks in the row andconfigured to lift a block for movement of said block horizontally alongthe row. An elevator cage is movably disposed in each of the pair ofelevator shafts and operatively coupled to an electric motor-generator.The elevator cage is sized to lift a block from a row and to support theblock therein while moving along the elevator shaft, the elevator cagefurther configured to lower the block onto a row at a different verticalelevation. The elevator cage in each of the pair of elevator shafts isoperable to move one or more blocks from alternating rows of the secondset of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the first set of rowsto store and amount of electrical energy corresponding to a potentialenergy amount of said blocks. The elevator cage in each of the pair ofelevator shafts is operable to move one or more of the blocks fromalternating rows of the first set of rows to corresponding alternatingrows of the second set of rows under a force of gravity to generate anamount of electricity. The elevator cage moves said blocks between eachof the second set of rows and each of the corresponding first set ofrows along a same vertical distance.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method forstoring and generating electricity is provided. The method comprisesoperating a pair of elevator cages on opposite ends of a plurality ofrows of a frame to move a plurality of blocks between a first set ofrows in an upper section of the frame and a corresponding second set ofrows in a lower section of the frame disposed below an intermediatesection of the frame that is free of the blocks. Operating the pair ofelevator cages includes moving with the pair of elevator cages one ormore of the blocks from alternating rows of the second set of rows tocorresponding alternating rows of the first set of rows to store andamount of electrical energy corresponding to a potential energy amountof said blocks. Operating the pair of elevator cages also includesmoving with the pair of elevator cages one or more of the blocks fromalternating rows of the first set of rows to corresponding alternatingrows of the second set of rows under a force of gravity to generate anamount of electricity via an electric motor-generator electricallycoupled to the elevator cages. The elevator cages move said blocksbetween each of the second set of rows and each of the correspondingfirst set of rows by an equal vertical distance.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method forstoring and generating electricity is provided. The method compriseshorizontally moving one or more blocks along alternating rows of a firstset of rows in an upper section of a frame with a trolley towardelevator cages on opposite ends of the rows. The method also comprisesoperating the elevator cages to vertically move the one or more blockspast an intermediate section of the frame to corresponding alternatingrows of a second set of rows of the frame under a force of gravity togenerate an amount of electricity via an electric motor-generatorelectrically coupled to the elevator cages. The elevator cages move saidblocks between the alternating rows of the first set of rows and each ofthe corresponding alternating second set of rows by an equal verticaldistance.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an elevator cageassembly is provided for use in an energy storage and delivery system tomove blocks between a lower elevation of a tower and a higher elevationof a tower to store energy and to move blocks between the higherelevation of the tower and the lower elevation of the tower under forceof gravity to generate electricity. The elevator cage assembly comprisesan elevator cage, a base disposed below the elevator cage, and a slidingmechanism actuatable to move the elevator cage laterally relative to thebase. The elevator cage has one or more supports movable relative to abottom support of the elevator cage, the one or more supports actuatableto lift or lower a block relative to the bottom support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an energy storage and deliverysystem for storing energy and generating electricity on demand.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a portion of the system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a partial schematic view of an energy storage and deliverysystem, showing arrangement of blocks in an upper portion of the towerof two adjacent modules similar to the system in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of four modules of an energy storage anddelivery system, each module similar to the system in FIG. 1 , themodules arranged adjacent each other.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the system inFIG. 1 , showing a trolley movably coupled to beams of a row of thesystem and illustrating a block supported on the beams of said row.

FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of the system in FIG. 5 , showing thetrolley movably coupled to beams of a row of the system and illustratingthe block supported on the beams of said row.

FIG. 7 is a schematic end view of the system in FIG. 5 , showing thetrolley movably coupled to beams of a row of the system and illustratingthe block supported on the beans of said row.

FIGS. 8-14 are partial schematic perspective views of the system of FIG.1 , illustrating a sequence of steps for moving a block along a row ofthe tower and transferring the block to an elevator cage for verticalmovement in an elevator shaft of the system.

FIGS. 15-17 are partial schematic side views of the system of FIG. 1 ,illustrating a sequence of steps for transferring the block from anelevator cage to a row of the tower.

FIGS. 18-20 are partial schematic bottom views of the system of FIG. 1 ,illustrating a sequence of steps for transferring the block to anelevator cage for vertical movement in an elevator shaft of the system.

FIGS. 21-23 are partial schematic perspective views of the system ofFIG. 1 , illustrating a sequence of steps for transferring the blockfrom an elevator cage to a row of the tower.

FIG. 24 is a partial schematic side view of one implementation of a liftmechanism for the elevator cage in the system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 25 is a partial schematic side view of the operation of the liftmechanism in FIG. 24 .

FIG. 26 is a partial schematic side view of another implementation of alift mechanism for the elevator cage in the system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 27 is a partial schematic side view of another implementation of alift mechanism for the elevator cage in the system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 28 is a schematic side view of a portion of a lift drive system

FIG. 29 is a schematic side view of a portion of a lift drive system.

FIG. 30 is a schematic side view of a lift drive system on a tower thatis operable to lift blocks in adjacent elevator shafts

FIG. 31 is a schematic end view of the system in FIG. 1 illustrating thearrangement of blocks in the tower and movement of blocks from an upperportion of the tower to a lower portion of the tower to generateelectricity.

FIGS. 32A-32D are schematic end views of the system in FIG. 1illustrating the movement of blocks from an upper portion of the towerto a lower portion of the tower to generate electricity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed below is an energy storage and delivery system operable toconvert electricity into potential energy, and generate electricity fromthe potential energy when electricity is in demand. The energy storageand delivery system can be operatively coupled to the electrical gridfor stabilizing the electrical grid and delivering electricity forresidential, commercial, and/or industrial consumers.

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an example energy storage and delivery system 1000(the “system”) operable to convert electrical energy or electricity intopotential energy for storage, and to convert potential energy intoelectrical energy or electricity, for example, for delivery to anelectrical grid.

The system 1000 includes a frame or tower 1100 (also referred to as amodule in this disclosure) having one or more columns 1120 that extendin a height direction Z of the tower 1100, one or more rows or floors1140 that extend in a width direction X of the frame or tower 1100 andone or more structures 1110 (e.g., slices of the module 1100) defined bya set of rows 1140 and columns 1120 in a depth direction Y of the frameor tower 1100. Each structure 1110 (e.g., slice of the module 1100) canbe operated independently depending on demand for energy from the system1000. The frame 1100 has an upper section 1102, a lower section 1104 andan intermediate section 1106. In one implementation, ballast weights orblocks 1300 are moved between the upper section 1102 and the lowersection 1104, as further described below, allowing the intermediatesection 1106 to be used for other purposes.

In one implementation, the intermediate section 1106 can be used forvertical farming. For example, the intermediate section 1106 can operateas a greenhouse, providing illuminated hydroponic farming, where suchillumination can be powered by electricity generated by the energystorage and delivery system 1000 (e.g., by lowering blocks 1300). Inanother implementation, the intermediate section 1106 can be used forthe storage of water. In another implementation, the intermediatesection 1106 can be used as a warehouse to store material (e.g., storageof material, unattended by humans). In still another implementation, theintermediate section 1106 can be used as a data center (e.g., storingcomputer servers), where the data center can be powered by electricitygenerated by the energy storage and delivery system 1000 (e.g., bylowering blocks 1300). Therefore, the intermediate section 1106 can beproductively used and does not remain empty during operation of thesystem 1000, providing additional value to the system 1000.

The upper section 1102 and lower section 1104 can have the same size(e.g., same number of rows 1140 and columns 1120). In someimplementations, the number of rows 1140 in the upper section 1102 andlower section 1104 are each an even number (e.g., 8, 10, 12 rows). Inother implementations, the number of rows 1140 in the upper section 1102and lower section 1104 are each an odd number (e.g., 9, 11, 13 rows).

In one implementation, the upper section 1102 and lower section 1104each take up ¼ of the height or area of the frame or tower 1100, withthe intermediate section 1106 making up the remaining ½ of the height orarea of the frame or tower 1100. In another implementation, the uppersection 1102 and lower section 1104 each take up ⅓ of the height or areaof the frame or tower 1100, with the intermediate section 1106 making upthe remaining ⅓ of the height or area of the frame or tower 1100.

The frame 1100 includes a plurality of elevator shafts 1130. Forexample, the frame 1100 can have elevator shaft(s) 1130A on one end ofthe rows 1140 and elevator shaft(s) 1130B on an opposite end of the rows1140 (for each structure 1110), via which the blocks 1300 are movedbetween one or more rows 1140 in the upper section 1102 and one or morerows in the lower section 1104 of the frame 1100, as further describedbelow. In one implementation, an equal number of elevator shafts 1130Aare on one end of the rows 1140 of the frame or tower 1100 as the numberof elevator shafts 1130B on the opposite end of the rows 1140. The frameor tower 1100 can in one implementation have a height of a 30 storybuilding (e.g., approximately 90 meters tall). However, the frame ortower 1100 can have a smaller or greater height than 30 stories (e.g.,120 meters tall).

With continued reference to FIG. 1 the blocks 1300 are movedhorizontally along the rows 1140 (via a trolley in each row 1140,described further below) to the elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B at the endsof the rows 1140 and then moved vertically along the elevator shafts1130A, 1130B via an elevator cage assembly 1400 (described in moredetail below) in each elevator shaft 1130A, 1130B. The elevator cageassemblies 1400 move (e.g., under force of gravity) to a lower elevationto generate electricity, and are raised by motor-generators (1500 inFIG. 24, 2500 in FIG. 28 ) at the top of the tower or frame 1100.Counterweights CW facilitate the movement of the elevator cage assembly1400. The movement of the elevator cage assemblies 1400 in oppositeelevator shafts 1130A, 1130B are synchronized to maximize efficiency ofthe system 1000.

The longer the rows 1140 are between the elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B,the more blocks 1300 (e.g., mass) the row 1140 can hold and the greaterthe energy (e.g., hours of energy) the system 1000 can deliver. Thegreater the depth (in the Y direction) of the elevator shafts 1130A,1130B (e.g. the greater the number of structures 1110 or slices of themodule 1100 in the Y direction), the greater the amount of power thesystem 1000 can generate. In one implementation, operation of theelevator cage assembly 1400 in each elevator shaft 1130A, 1130B canprovide between about 500 kW and about 1000 kW (e.g., about 800 kW) ofpower, so that the two elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B in one structure1110 or slice of the module 1100 can generate approximately 1.6 MW. In asystem that has eight structures 1110 (e.g., slices of the module 1100)in the Y direction, each structure 1110 having two elevator shafts 1130,1130B, the system can generate approximately 12.8 MW of power. Assumingthe length of the rows 1140 allows for four hours of energy, the totaloutput of the system is approximately 12.8 MW×4 hr. or 51.2 MW-hrs.

As best shown in FIG. 2 , the frame 1100 can be made of a plurality ofpillars 1160 (e.g., of reinforced concrete, pre-casted columns ofconcrete) that define the one or more columns 1120, cross-members 1170(e.g., diagonal bracing members, made of metal) that interconnect thecolumns 1120 to provide stability to the frame 1100 (e.g., in awidth-wise direction X of the frame 1100), and a plurality of beams(e.g., I-beams) 1180 that define the one or more rows 1140 and aresupported on cross-beams 1190 that extends in a depth direction Y of theframe 1100 between the columns 1120. The beams 1180 and cross-beams 1190can be made of metal (e.g., steel). The columns 1120 can be spaced fromeach other in the depth direction Y of the frame 1100 by a distance1122, and the rows 1140 can be spaced from each other in the heightdirection Z of the frame 1100 by a distance 1142. The distances 1122,1142 are sized to allow the one or more blocks 1300 to fit in each row(one behind another) so that the blocks 1300 are supported on the beams1180 as further discussed below. In one implementation, the distances1122, 1142 are the same, allowing the blocks 1300 to have asubstantially square end face (see FIG. 12 ), for example to simplifythe manufacturing of the blocks 1300. In one implementation, the blocks1300 can be made from local soil and/or remunerated waste material(e.g., coal combustion residuals such as bottom ash, fiberglass fromdecommissioned wind turbine blades, waste tailings from miningprocesses) or other recycled material.

FIG. 3 shows a partial perspective view of a portion of an energystorage and delivery system 1000′ having two modules 1000A, 1000Barranged adjacent each other. The modules 1000A, 1000B are each similarto the module 1100 of the energy storage and delivery system 1000 shownin FIGS. 1-2 . Thus, reference numerals used to designate the variouscomponents of the modules 1000A, 1000B are identical to those used foridentifying the corresponding components of the module 1100 in FIGS. 1-2, except that an “A” or “B” has been added to the end of the numericalidentifier. Therefore, the structure and description for the variousfeatures of the module 1100 in FIGS. 1-2 are understood to also apply tothe corresponding features of the modules 1000A, 1000B of the system1000′ in FIG. 3 , except as described below.

The elevator shafts 1130AA, 1130AB of the modules 100A, 100B can beadjacent each other and the rows 1140A, 1140B oriented in generally thesame direction (e.g., aligned) for both modules 1000A, 1000B (e.g., inthe upper sections 1102A, 1102B). As shown in FIG. 7 , no blocks 1300are stored in the intermediate sections 1106A, 1106B of the frame 1100A,1100B of the modules 1000A, 1000B of the system 1000′. As discussedabove, the intermediate sections 1106A, 1106B can be used for otherpurposes. Optionally, the intermediate section 1106A of the module 1100Ais used for a different purpose than the intermediate section 1106B ofthe module 1100B.

FIG. 4 shows a top or plan view of an energy storage and delivery system1000″ including four modules 1000A, 1000B, 1000C, 1000D arrangedadjacent each other. The modules 1000A, 1000B, 1000C, 1000D are eachsimilar to the module 1100 shown in FIGS. 1-2 . Thus, reference numeralsused to designate the various components of the modules 1000A, 1000B,1000C, 1000D are identical to those used for identifying thecorresponding components of the module 1100 in FIGS. 1-2 , except thatan “A”, “B”, “C” or “D” has been added to the end of the numericalidentifier. Therefore, the structure and description for the variousfeatures of the system or module 1100 in FIGS. 1-2 are understood toalso apply to the corresponding features of the modules 1000A, 1000B,1000C and 1000D of the system 1000″ in FIG. 4 , except as describedbelow.

As with the module 1100, each of the modules 1000A-1000D has two sets ofelevator shafts on opposite ends of the rows of the system. For example,module 1000A has elevator shafts 1130AA and 1130BA on opposite ends ofthe rows 1140A, module 1000B has elevator shafts 1130AB and 1130BB onopposite ends of the rows 1140B, module 1000C has elevator shafts 1130ACand 1130BC on opposite ends of the rows 1140C, and module 1000D haselevator shafts 1130AD and 1130BD on opposite ends of the rows 1140D.

As shown in FIG. 4 , each of the modules 1000A, 1000B, 1000C, 1000D isoriented so that each of their sets of rows 1140A, 1140B, 1140C, 1140Dextend orthogonal (e.g., perpendicular) to the rows in adjacent modules1000A-1000D. For example, the rows 1140A of module 1000A extendorthogonally to the rows 1140B of module 1000B and to the rows 1140D ofmodule 1000D. This orthogonal arrangement between the modules1000A-1000D increases the stability of each of the modules 1000A-1000D,advantageously providing automatic bracing to the modules 1000A-1000D inany direction (e.g., bracing against wind and/or seismic forces). Asdiscussed above, cross-members 1170 (e.g., diagonal bracing)interconnect the columns 1120 to provide stability to the module 1100(e.g., in a width-wise direction X of the frame 1100) along thedirection of the rows 1140. However, there are no cross-members in atransverse direction of the frame or module 1100. Therefore, orientingthe modules 1000A-1000D orthogonal to each other advantageously allowsthe cross-members 1170 in one frame 1100 to provide structural stabilityor bracing to an adjacent module 1000A-1000D in the direction where itdoes not have any cross-members 1170. Each of the modules 1000A-1000Dcan be operated independently of each other. For example, duringoperation, one or more (e.g., one, two, three, or four) of the modules1000A-1000D can be operated to store and generate electricity (e.g.,depending on demand), or only some of the modules 1000A-1000D can beoperated while maintenance is performed on the remaining modules1000A-1000D.

Though FIG. 4 shows four modules 1000A-1000D, one of skill in the artwill recognize that the system 1000″ can have any number of modules(e.g., two, three, five, six, seven, eight, ten, twelve) that canoptionally arranged in the manner described above. Accordingly, theenergy storage and delivery system is scalable and can provide forenergy storage and delivery on the order of multiple gigawatt hours(GWh). The modules 1000A-100D can operate near a clean energy powergenerating station (e.g., solar energy farm, wind farm) and operated tostore at least a portion of the clean energy power generating station(e.g., for delivery to the electrical grid off hours, such as at night).

FIGS. 5-7 show features of the system 1000 for moving blocks 1300 alonga row 1140 and all of the description above for the features of thesystem 1000 apply to the features illustrated in FIGS. 5-7 . One ofskill in the art will recognize that the same features in FIGS. 5-7 anddescribed below can be implemented in the systems 1000′, 1000″ in FIGS.3-4 , so that the description below also applies to the systems 1000′,1000″ in FIGS. 3-4 .

With reference to FIG. 5 , the block 1300 can be supported (e.g., in astationary position) on a pair of beams 1180 in a row 1140 of the frameor tower 1100. The beams 1180 can have a I-beam or C-shapedcross-section that defines a channel 1182 (best shown in FIG. 7 )between a top (e.g., a top flange) of the beams 1180 on which the block1300 is supported and a bottom (e.g., a bottom flange) of the beam 1180.The beams 1180 extend toward an elevator shaft 1130 to allow transfer ofthe block 1300 to an elevator cage assembly 1400 in the elevator shaft1130, and the elevator cage assembly 1400 can be operated to move theblock 1300 to a different vertical location, as further described below.One implementation of the elevator cage assembly 1400 is shown in FIGS.8-23 . A motor-generator 1500 (see FIG. 24 or 2500 in FIG. 28 ) can bemounted in or on at least a portion of the elevator shaft 1130 (e.g., ata vertical location above the topmost position of the elevator cageassembly 1400).

The block 1300 can have a generally rectangular (e.g., square) shapewhen viewed from an end (see FIG. 7 ). In one implementation, the block1300 can have one or more (e.g., a pair of) chamfered or truncatedcorners 1310 generally corresponding to a shape of a tapered end 1162 ofthe pillars 1160. A hook portion (e.g., C-shaped) 1183 (see FIG. 5 ) ofthe beams 1180 can be supported by tapered ends 1162 of the pillars 1160that extend below the beams 1180 and can at least partially circumscribethe pillars 1160 that extend above the beams 1180 to facilitate couplingof the beams 1180 to the pillars 1160 and laterally fix the beams 1180to the pillars 1160 (in the X direction). As discussed above, in oneimplementation the width 1122 and height 1142 of the row 1140 aregenerally equal and define a square shape. In one implementation, theblock 1300 is sized to approximate the width 1122 and height 1142 of therow 1140 while allowing the block 1300 to pass through an opening of therow 1140.

A trolley 1200 can be movably coupled to the beams 1180 and can beselectively positioned under the block 1300 (see FIG. 7 ) that issupported on the beams 1180. Each row 1140 that has one or more blocks1300 supported on the beams 1180 of the row 1140 can have one or more ofthe trolleys 1200 to move the blocks 1300 along the row 1140. Thetrolley 1200 can include wheels 1210 on opposite sides of a frame 1230,where the wheels 1210 move (e.g., rotate) within the channel 1182 of the(pair of) beams 1180 on which the blocks 1300 are supported (e.g., thewheels 1210 roll on the bottom flange of the beams 1180. The trolley1200 also includes one or more actuatable support pistons 1220, forexample on opposite sides of the frame 1230, that face a bottom side ofthe block 1300 when the trolley 1200 is positioned underneath the block1300. The support pistons 1220 are actuatable (e.g., hydraulically,pneumatically, electrically via an electric motor) between a retractedstate where the support pistons 1220 do not contact the block 1300 andan extended position where the support pistons 1220 are verticallydisplaced away from the frame 1230 (e.g., upward) to contact and liftthe block 1300 (e.g., approximately 2 cm or 1 inch) above the beams 1180(e.g., so that the weight of the block 1300 is supported solely by thesupport pistons 1220, allowing the trolley 1200 to move the block 1300horizontally (e.g., along the X direction). In one implementation, shownin FIGS. 5-6 , the trolley 1200 can have two pairs of support pistons1220 and two pairs of wheel assemblies 1210, each support piston 1220aligned with one of the wheel assemblies 1210. In anotherimplementation, the support pistons 1220 can be replaced by a platformwith a width that generally corresponds with the width of the frame1230, where the platform can move between a retracted position where itdoes not engage the bottom of the block 1300 and an extended positionwhere it contacts and lifts the block 1300 off the beams 1180.

Once the trolley 1200 has lifted the block 1300 above the beams 1180(e.g., so that the block 1300 is not in contact with the beams 1180),the trolley 1200 can translate the block 1300 along the row 1140 (e.g.,horizontally in the X direction), for example toward the elevator shaft1130 to transfer the block 1300 to the elevator cage assembly 1400, asfurther described below.

The elevator cage assembly 1400 can include an elevator cage 1410movably coupled to a base 1420 underneath the elevator cage 1410. Theelevator cage 1410 can include a bottom support 1412, a rear wall 1414and a top support 1416. In one implementation, the elevator cage 1410can also include sidewalls that extend between the bottom support 1412and the top support 1416. As best seen in FIG. 17 , the top support 1416can have a smaller length than the bottom support 1412. The top support1416 is coupled to one or more cables or ribbons (e.g., steel ribbons)1520 at one end of the cables or ribbons 1520, with the other end of thecables or ribbons 1520 coupled to the counterweight CW, as furtherdiscussed below. In one implementation, the elevator cage 1410 can havea C-shaped cross-section (when viewed from the side, as shown in FIG. 17).

One or more (e.g., multiple, four) supports 1430 are movably coupled tothe bottom support 1412. In one implementation, the one or more supports1430 are moved simultaneously. Optionally, the one or more supports 1430are hydraulically actuated (e.g., actuated by a hydraulic actuator) tomove between a lower elevation relative to the bottom support 1412 and ahigher elevation relative to the bottom support 1412. In anotherimplementation, the one or more supports 1430 are moved with a solenoidactuator (e.g., electrically actuated) between a lower elevationrelative to the bottom support 1412 and a higher elevation relative tothe bottom support 1412. In still another implementation, the one ormore supports 1430 are pneumatically actuated (e.g., actuated by apneumatic actuator) to move between a lower elevation relative to thebottom support 1412 and a higher elevation relative to the bottomsupport 1412. Advantageously, the one or more supports 1430 have atravel distance (e.g., between a collapsed position and an extendedposition) relative to the bottom support 1412 that is greater than anelongation amount or elasticity of the one or more cables or ribbons1520 (e.g., when the one or more supports 1430 are actuated to apply alifting force on a block 1300), which allows the one or more supports1430 to lift the block 1300 off the beams 1180, as discussed furtherbelow. Therefore, the supports 1430 have enough travel to compensate forthe elongation or elasticity of the cables or ribbons 1520, andtherefore be able to lift the block 1300 off the beams 1180.Advantageously, the support(s) 1430 are actuated (e.g., hydraulically)to lift the block 1300, instead of lifting the block 1300 by operatingthe main motor 1500 (see FIG. 24 , or 2500 in FIG. 28 ) to lift theelevator cage 1410 via the cable(s) or ribbon(s) 1520, so that the motor1500 is operated only to move the elevator cage 1410 between rows orfloors 1140.

As discussed above, the elevator cage 1410 is movably coupled to thebase 1420 underneath the elevator cage 1410. Such movement is providedby a sliding assembly 1440 that moves the elevator cage 1410horizontally or laterally relative to the base 1420, allowing theelevator cage 1410 to move into and out of a row or floor 1140 (e.g., asshown in FIGS. 10-13 ). As shown for example in FIG. 19 , the slidingassembly 1440 includes one or more (e.g., two, multiple) rails 1442interposed between and coupled to the base 1420 and the elevator cage1410, which allow relative movement of the base 1420 and the elevatorcage 1410. The sliding assembly 1440 also includes a linear actuator1444 that moves the elevator cage 1410 laterally relative to the base1420. In one implementation, the linear actuator 1444 is a hydraulicallyactuated piston-cylinder assembly. In another implementation, the linearactuator 1444 is a pneumatically actuated piston-cylinder assembly. Instill another implementation, the linear actuator 1444 is anelectrically actuated assembly (e.g., a piston-cylinder assembly wherethe piston is moved via a solenoid actuator). In yet anotherimplementation, the linear actuator 1444 is a rack and pinion assembly,where the pinion is rotated (e.g., via an electric actuator) to move therack linearly.

In one implementation, where the one or more supports 1430 and thelinear actuator 1444 of the sliding assembly 1440 are actuatedhydraulically, the hydraulic system can operate quickly to effect fastmovement of the one or more supports 1430 and the linear actuator 1444.In one implementation, the hydraulic system can include an accumulator,where a pump is operated (e.g., solely operated) to pressurize fluid(e.g., an incompressible liquid, such as oil) in the accumulator, suchas from 130 bar to 250 bar. A valve can then be actuated to allow fluidflow through the hydraulic system to actuate the one or more supports1430 (e.g., to extend the support(s) 1430 to lift a block 1300) or thelinear actuator 1444 (e.g., to move the elevator cage 1410 laterallyrelative to the base 1420).

As shown in FIG. 8 , the system 1000 has guiderails GR in the elevatorshaft 1130 along which the elevator cage assembly 1400 and counterweightCW travel (e.g., the base 1420 is movably coupled to one of the guiderails GR and the counterweight CW is movably coupled to another of theguiderails GR). The guiderails GB are coupled to a cross-bar CB (seeFIG. 8 ), for example at every row or floor 1140, which provides lateralsupport to the guiderails GB, and which in turn provide lateral supportto the elevator cage 1410 when it moves horizontally relative to thebase 1420 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 10-13 ).

As best shown in FIG. 13 , the cables or ribbons 1520 are advantageouslyaligned with the center of gravity of the elevator cage assembly 1400and block 1300 when moving the block 1300 along the elevator shaft 1130(e.g., between rows or floors 1140). The cables or ribbons 1520 are alsoaligned or centered with the guide rails GR next to the elevator cageassembly 1400. This facilitates movement of the block 1300 along theelevator shaft 1130 without placing undue force (e.g., bending forces)on the guide rails GR. Likewise, when the elevator cage 1410 is empty(e.g., not carrying a block 1300), the cables or ribbons 1520 areadvantageously aligned with the center of gravity of the elevator cageassembly 1400 and the guide rails GR next to the elevator cage assembly1400 to inhibit (e.g., prevent) tilting of the elevator cage 1410 orplacing undue force (e.g., bending forces) on the guide rails GR duringmovement of the elevator cage assembly 1400 along the elevator shaft1130. Similarly, the cables or ribbons 1520 are aligned with the centerof gravity of the counterweight CW and aligned or centered with theguide rails GR next to the counterweight CW to facilitate movement ofthe counterweight CW without placing undue force on the guiderails GR orapplying a moment on the counterweight CW.

FIGS. 8-23 illustrate a sequence of an operation of the elevator cageassembly 1400 to pick-up a block 1300 from a row or floor 1140 anddeliver it to a different row or floor 1140. FIGS. 8-14 show aperspective view of a sequence of operation of the elevator cageassembly 1400 to pick-up a block 1300 from a row or floor 1140 and raiseit along the elevator shaft 1130 to a higher row or floor 1140. One ofskill in the art will recognize that a sequence for lowering a blockalong the elevator shaft 1130 and delivering it to a lower row or floor1140 would be the reverse sequence of what is shown in FIGS. 8-14 .FIGS. 15-17 show a side view of a sequence of operation of the elevatorcase assembly 1400 to deliver a block 1300 onto the beams 1180 of a rowor floor 1140. One of skill in the art will recognize that a sequencefor picking up a block 1300 from the beams 1180 of a row or floor 1140would be the reverse sequence of what is shown in FIGS. 15-17 . FIGS.18-20 show a top view of a sequence of operation of the elevator caseassembly 1400 to pick-up a block 1300 from the beams 1180 of a row orfloor 1140. One of skill in the art will recognize that a sequence fordelivering a block 1300 onto the beams 1180 of a row or floor 1140 wouldbe the reverse sequence of what is shown in FIGS. 18-20 . FIGS. 21-23show a bottom perspective view of a sequence of operation of theelevator case assembly 1400 to deliver a block 1300 onto the beams 1180of a row or floor 1140. One of skill in the art will recognize that asequence for picking up a block 1300 from the beams 1180 of a row orfloor 1140 would be the reverse sequence of what is shown in FIGS. 21-23.

FIGS. 8-9 shows the trolley 1200 carrying a block 1300 to an end portion(e.g. cantilevered end portion) 1180 a of the beams 1180 of a row orfloor 1140 for the block 1300 to be picked-up by the elevator cageassembly 1400. Once over the end portion 1180 a of the beams 1180, thetrolley 1200 lowers the block 1300 onto the end portion 1180 a and movesaway from the block 1300 (e.g., to pick-up another block 1300 from therow or floor 1140), and the block 1300 is left supported by the endportion 1180 a of the beams 1180, as shown in FIG. 10 and also shown inFIG. 18 . The block 1300 can advantageously be delivered to the endportion 1180 a of the beams 1180 prior to the elevator cage assembly1400 arriving at the row or floor 1140.

With continued reference to FIG. 10 , the elevator cage assembly 1400arrives at approximately the level of the row or floor 1140.Advantageously, the elevator case assembly 1400 does not need to beexactly aligned or level with the beams 1180 of the row or floor 1140 tobe able to pick up the block 1300 from the beams 1180 of the row orfloor 1140, or to deliver the block 1300 onto the beams 1180 of the rowor floor 1140. Additionally, the elevator cage assembly 1400advantageously does not need to engage (e.g., lock onto) the beams 1180of the row or floor 1140 to pick-up a block 1300 therefrom or deliver ablock 1300 thereto, thereby simplifying the structure and process formoving blocks 1300 with the elevator cage assembly 1400 in the system1000.

FIGS. 11-14 illustrate a sequence for picking-up a block 1300 from thebeams 1180 of a row or floor 1140 with the elevator cage assembly 1400and moving the block 1300 to a different vertical location (e.g., adifferent row or floor 1140). As compared with FIG. 10 , FIG. 11 showsthe elevator cage 1410 laterally moved relative to the base 1420 (e.g.,via the sliding assembly 1440, such as via actuation of the linearactuator 1444) so that the bottom support 1412 of the elevator cage 1410is positioned under the block 1300. Such motion of the bottom support1412 under the block 1300 is also shown in FIGS. 18-20 and FIGS. 21-23 .The elevator cage 1410 (e.g., the bottom support 1412) has a smallerwidth than a spacing D between the beams 1180 (see FIG. 20 ), allowingthe elevator cage 1410 to move (unobstructed) relative to the endportion 1180 a of the beams 1180 to position the bottom support 1412under the block 1300. The guide rails GR support (e.g., laterallysupport) the base 1420 of the elevator case assembly 1400 while theelevator cage 1410 moves laterally toward the block 1300.

With reference to FIG. 12 , the one or more supports 1430 are actuated(e.g., extended, such as via hydraulic actuation) to lift the block 1300off beams 1180 (e.g., off the end portion 1180 a of the beams 1180). Ascompared to FIG. 12 , FIG. 13 shows the elevator cage 1410 moved backover the base 1420 so the block 1300 is in the elevator shaft 1130 andout of the row or floor 1140. The elevator cage assembly 1400 is thenoperated (e.g., via the motor 1500 (see FIG. 24 , or 2500 in FIG. 28 )that moves the cables or ribbons 1520) to vertically move the block 1300to a different row or floor 1140, as shown in FIG. 14 .

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate a sequence for delivering a block 1300 to a rowor floor 1140 and lowering the block 1300 onto the beams 1180 of the rowor floor 1140 with the elevator cage assembly 1400. Once the block 1300has been moved by the elevator cage assembly 1400 along the elevatorshaft 1130 to a desired row or floor 1140, the elevator cage 1410 islaterally moved relative to the base 1420 (e.g., via the slidingassembly 1440, such as via actuation of the linear actuator 1444 toextend the elevator cage 1410 relative to the base 1420) so that thebottom support 1412 of the elevator cage 1410 and block 1300 supportedon it is moved over the beams 1180 (e.g., over the end portion 1180 a ofthe beams 1180), as shown in FIG. 15 . The one or more supports 1430 areactuated (e.g., retracted, lowered, such as via hydraulic actuation) tolower the block 1300 onto the beams 1180 (e.g., onto the end portion1180 a of the beams 1180), and the elevator cage 1410 begins to moveback to a position over the base 1420 (e.g., via the sliding assembly1440, such as via actuation of the linear actuator 1444 to retract theelevator cage 1410 relative to the base 1420), as shown in FIG. 16 . Theelevator cage 1410 is moved to the home position over the base 1420(shown in FIG. 17 ), after which the elevator cage assembly 1400 can beoperated to move to a different row or floor 1140 (e.g., to pick-up ablock 1300).

Advantageously, the movement of the elevator cage 1410 to pick-up, liftand drop-off a block 1300 can be fast. In one implementation, theelevator cage 1410, when empty (e.g., not carrying a block 1300), can bemoved from the home position over the base 1420 (e.g., shown in FIG. 10) to the position under the block 1300 (see FIG. 11 ), or from aposition under the block 1300 to the home position over the base 1420,in approximately 1 to 1.5 seconds. In one implementation the one moresupports 1430 can lift the block 1300 from the beams 1180, or lower theblock 1300 onto the beams 1180, in approximately 3 seconds. In oneimplementation, the elevator cage 1410, when carrying the block 1300,can be moved from the home position over the base 1420 to the positionover the beams 1180 (see FIG. 15 ), or from a position over the beams1180 to the home position over the base 1420, in approximately 2seconds. Advantageously, the movement of the elevator cage 1410 relativeto the base 1420 can occur with minimal friction or loss because theelevator cage 1410 is moving a hanging weight between a position overthe beams 1180 (see FIG. 12 ) and a position in the elevator shaft 1130(see FIG. 13 ). Additionally, the system 1000 advantageously does notrequire coordination of the movement of the block 1300 by the trolley1200 and the elevator cage assembly 1400. As discussed above, thetrolley 1200 can be operated to move a block 1300 to the end portion1180 a of the beams 1180, and the elevator cage assembly 1400 can laterarrive to pick up the block 1300.

FIGS. 24-25 show a schematic view of the lift drive system D for movingthe elevator cage assembly 1400. In one implementation, each elevatorcage assembly 1400 is driven by a separate lift drive system D. Inanother implementation, the lift drive system D can operate two elevatorcage assemblies 1400 (e.g., like the lift drive system 2000 of FIGS.28-30 discussed further below) in separate (e.g., adjacent) elevatorshafts 1130. The lift drive system D can be disposed on top of the tower1100 of the system, such as above the elevator shaft 1130. The liftdrive system D can include a motor-generator 1500 that drives (e.g.,rotates) a shaft 1510. The cables or ribbons (e.g., steel ribbons) 1520extend from one end attached to the elevator cage assembly 1400, aroundthe shaft 1510, and to the other end of the cables or ribbons 1520 thatare attached to the counterweight CW. As shown in FIGS. 24-25 , thecables or ribbons 1520 can extend at least partially around a roller R1disposed vertically above the elevator cage assembly 1400 and at leastpartially around a roller R2 disposed vertically above the counterweightCW.

In one implementation of the lift drive system D, the motor-generator1500 can rotate the shaft 1510 in a counterclockwise direction (asviewed in FIG. 24 ) to lower the elevator cage assembly 1400 (along theelevator shaft 1130, such as to a desired row or floor 1140) and raisethe counterweight CW, or rotate the shaft 1510 in a clockwise direction(as viewed in FIG. 24 ) to raise the elevator cage assembly 1400 (alongthe elevator shaft 1130, such as to a desired row or floor 1140) andlower the counterweight CW. The rollers R1, R2 maintain the cables orribbons 1520 in a vertical orientation as the elevator cage assembly1400 and counterweight CW move along the elevator shaft 1130. Thisadvantageously inhibits (e.g., prevents) the cables or ribbons 1520 fromapplying a tilting force or moment on the elevator cage assembly 1400and counterweight CW that may cause them to swing or apply a force onthe guide rails GR during motion along the elevator shafts 1130,resulting in increased efficiency and reduced energy loss (e.g., due tofriction) during raising and lower of the elevator cage assembly 1400and counterweight CW.

With reference to FIG. 25 , in one implementation the roller R1vertically above the elevator cage assembly 1400 is in a fixed location.When the elevator cage 1410 moves laterally relative to the base 1420(as discussed above in connection with FIGS. 8-23 ), such as to pick-upa block 1300 from a row or floor 1140 or to deliver a block 1300 to arow or floor 1140, the cables or ribbons 1520 move from a verticalorientation to an angled orientation (at an angle α) relative tovertical (e.g., because the cables or ribbons 1520 are coupled of theelevator cage 1410). Such angular displacement of the cables or ribbons1520 can result in a tilting force or moment being applied by theelevator cage assembly 1400 on the guide rails GR. In oneimplementation, where the elevator cage assembly 1400 is at a lowerelevation of the tower 1100 (e.g., rows L1-L8 in FIG. 31 ), such anangle and the applied force on the guide rails GR can be relativelylower, whereas such an angle (α) and the applied force on the guiderails GR can increase as the elevator cage assembly 1400 is raised(e.g., to rows U1-U8 in FIG. 31 ), with the largest angle (α) and forcebeing at the top row of the tower 1100.

FIG. 26 shows a lift drive system D′ that is similar to the lift drivesystem D in FIG. 24 . Thus, reference numerals used to designate thevarious components of the lift drive system D′ are identical to thoseused for identifying the corresponding components of the lift drivesystem D of FIG. 24 , and the structure and description for the variousfeatures of the lift drive system D in FIG. 24 are understood to alsoapply to the corresponding features of the lift drive system D′ in FIG.26 , except as described below.

The lift drive system D′ in FIG. 26 differs from the lift drive system Din FIG. 24 in that the roller R1 disposed vertically above the elevatorcage assembly 1400 has a variable position that can allow the cables orribbons 1520 to remain substantially vertical as the elevator cage 1410moves laterally relative to the base 1420 (as discussed above inconnection with FIGS. 8-23 ), such as to pick-up a block 1300 from a rowor floor 1140 or to deliver a block 1300 to a row or floor 1140.Advantageously, this inhibits (e.g., prevents) the cables or ribbons1520 from applying a tilting force or moment on the elevator cageassembly 1400 that may cause it to apply a force on the guide rails GR,resulting in a lower load or stress on the guide rails GR duringoperation of the elevator cage assembly 1400 to pick-up or deliver ablock 1300.

In one implementation, the roller R1 can be movably coupled to a slidingmechanism, where an actuator (e.g., linear actuator, such as a hydraulicactuator) can move the roller R1 (horizontally as shown in FIG. 26 ),for example simultaneously with the movement of the elevator cage 1410relative to the base 1420 to maintain the cables or ribbons 1520 betweenthe elevator cage 1410 and the roller R1 substantially vertical as theelevator cage 1410 moves relative to the base 1420 of the elevator cageassembly 1400. Optionally, the same controller that controls themovement of the elevator cage 1410 relative to the base 1420 alsocontrols the movement of the roller R1. In one implementation, theroller R1 is actuated to move laterally (e.g., simultaneously) withmovement of the elevator cage 1410 relative to the base 1420 of theelevator cage assembly 1400 irrespective of the row or floor 1140 theelevator cage assembly 1400 is at during such movement. In anotherimplementation, the controller can actuate the roller R1 to movelaterally (e.g., simultaneously) with movement of the elevator cage 1410relative to the base 1420 of the elevator cage assembly 1400 for some,but not all, of the rows or floors 1140 of the tower 1100. For example,the controller can maintain the roller R1 in a fixed location duringmovement of the elevator cage 1410 relative to the base 1420, when inlower floors (e.g., rows L1-L8 in FIG. 31 ) of the tower 1100, while itcan laterally move the roller R1 (simultaneously) with movement of theelevator cage 1410 relative to the base 1420 when in higher floors(e.g., rows U1-U3, rows U1-U5, rows U1-U8 in FIG. 31 ) of the tower 1100(e.g., where the angle α, shown in FIG. 25 , between the cables orribbons 1520 and vertical, and the applied force on the guide rails GR,can be higher).

As shown in FIG. 1 , the tower 1100 can have multiple modules in a depthor Y direction, each module having multiple rows or floors 1140 withelevator shafts 1130 at the two ends of the rows or floors 1140, and anelevator cage assembly 1400 can travel in each elevator shaft 1130. Withreference to FIG. 27 , an electric motor-generator 1500′ can be disposedover another elevator shaft 1130 (e.g., into the page in FIG. 27 ) andoperate in the same manner as the electric motor-generator 1500 to moveits associated elevator cage assembly 1400 along its elevator shaft 1130to pick-up, raise or lower, and deliver blocks 1300 to rows or floors1140 associated with its elevator shaft 1130 (e.g., in a differentmodule in a depth direction of the page or Y direction of the tower 1100in FIG. 1 ). The electric motor-generators 1500, 1500′, and theirassociated shafts 1510, 1510′, can be offset laterally (as shown in FIG.27 ), for example, to allow the lift drive systems D to fit over theelevator shafts 1130 (e.g., without interfering with each other). Thecables or ribbons 1520 that are moved by the electric motor-generator1500′ and are attached to their respective elevator cage assembly 1400and counterweight CV can extend at least partially around theirassociated rollers R1, R2, which can be aligned (in the depth directionin FIG. 27 or Y direction in FIG. 1 ) with the rollers R1, R2 associatedwith the electric motor-generator 1500. In one implementation, therollers R1, R2 can be offset in the depth direction (e.g., Y directionin FIG. 1 ) so that the cables or ribbons 1520 are aligned in the depthdirection between the rollers R1, R2 and their respective elevator cageassembly 1400 and counterweight CW, the elevator cage assemblies 1400are aligned (e.g., in the depth direction) and the counterweights CW arealigned (in the depth direction).

FIG. 28 shows a portion of a lift drive system 2000 for use in the tower1100 of system 1000 in FIG. 1 . The system 2000 includes an electricmotor 2100 (e.g., similar to the electric motor-generator 1500) with anoutput shaft 2110 attached to a clutch 2200. A shaft 2300 is coupled toan opposite end of the clutch 2200, so that the clutch 2200 is betweenthe motor 2100 and the shaft 2300. The shaft 2300 has a first portion2310 and a second portion 2320. A brake assembly 2400 is at leastpartially disposed between the first and second portions 2310, 2320 ofthe shaft 2300. The brake assembly 2400 includes a brake disc 2410mounted about the shaft 2300 between the first and second portions 2310,2320, and a brake pad mechanism 2420 disposed on both sides of the disc2410 and operable to selectively engage the disc 2410 to frictionallyengage the disc 2410 to inhibit (e.g., prevent) rotation of the disc2410 and therefore rotation of the shaft 2300 and to selectivelydisengage from the disc 2410 to permit rotation of the disc 2410 andtherefore the shaft 2300 unimpeded. An end 2330 of the shaft 2300 can becoupled to an electric motor 2500 (e.g. electric motor-generator),further described below. In one implementation, the electric motor 2500can be a 50 kW motor and can be an asynchronous motor. In oneimplementation, the electric motor 2100 can be an 800 kW to 1000 kWmotor and can be a synchronous motor. Additional details of the liftdrive system 2000 can be found in U.S. Provisional Application No.62/203,070, filed Jul. 7, 2021, which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIG. 29 shows an implementation of the lift drive system 2000 and FIG.30 shows the lift drive system 2000 of FIG. 29 on top of the tower orframe 1100 (e.g., in the Y or depth direction of the tower 1100, asshown in FIG. 1 ) over two adjacent elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B. Asdiscussed above in connection with FIG. 27 , the lift drive system 2000for two other adjacent elevator shafts (e.g., adjacent to the left ofelevator shaft 1130A or to the right of elevator shaft 1130B) can belaterally offset (e.g., into or out of the page in FIG. 30 ) relative tothe lift drive system 2000 shown in FIG. 30 .

With reference to FIG. 29 , an electric motor 2100 has two output shafts(not shown) that couple to two clutches 2200A, 2200B on opposite sidesof the motor 2100, which couple to shafts 2300A, 2300B that have firstshaft portions 2310A, 2310B and second shaft portions 2320A, 2320B, withbrake assembly 2400A, 2400B interposed between the first shaft portions2310A, 2310B and second shaft portions 2320A, 2320B. The shafts 2300A,2300B have end portions 2330A, 2330B. Though not shown, electric motorssimilar to electric motor 2500 (e.g., electric motor-generator) can beoperably coupled with each of the end portions 2330A, 2330B.

With reference to FIG. 30 , cables or ribbons (e.g., steel ribbons)1520A can extend at least partially about the first and second portions2310A, 2320A and operably couple to an elevator cage assembly 1400A(e.g., similar to the elevator cage assembly 1400 discussed above) thattravels within an elevator shaft 1130A of the frame or tower 1100.Cables or ribbons (e.g., steel ribbons) 1520B can extend at leastpartially about the first and second portions 2310B, 2320B and operablycouple to an elevator cage assembly 1400B (e.g., similar to the elevatorcage assembly 1400 discussed above) that travels within an elevatorshaft 1130B of the frame or tower 1100. Though not shown, the portionsof the cables or ribbons 1520A, 1520B that extend over and first shaftportions 2310A, 2310B and second shaft portions 2320A, 2320B connect tocounterweights, in a similar manner as they connect to the counterweightCW in FIGS. 1 and 8-23 . Though FIG. 30 shows the lift drive system 2000disposed on a top of the tower 1100, in another implementation the liftdrive system can be disposed on a bottom of the tower 1100 and thecables or steel ribbons extend upward therefrom and over pulleys toredirect the cables or ribbons to the elevator cage assembly and/orcounterweight.

With reference to FIGS. 29-30 , in operation, the electric motor 2100can be connected to the electrical grid and constantly operated on gridpower. The shafts 2110 of the motor 2100 rotate only in one direction.FIG. 30 shows the elevator cage assembly 1400B in a lower elevation ofthe tower 1100 and the elevator cage assembly 1400A in a higherelevation of the tower 1100. The elevator cage assembly 1400B ismaintained in the lower elevation (e.g., to pick up a block 1300 to moveto a higher elevation) by disengaging the clutch 2200B from the motor2100 and engaging the brake 2400B to maintain the elevator cage assembly1400B in a vertical position. Once the elevator cage assembly 1400B isready to be lifted, the clutch 2200B is gradually engaged and the brake2400B gradually disengaged, until the clutch 2200B is fully engaged(e.g., open), allowing the rotation of the shaft 2110 of the motor 2100to rotate the shaft 2300B to lift the elevator cage assembly 1400B(e.g., by having the cables or ribbons 1520B pulled up and over thefirst and second portions 2310B, 2320B. As the elevator cage assembly1400B is raised, the counterweight (not shown) that is operativelycoupled to the other side of the cables or ribbons 1520B is lowered.Once the elevator cage assembly 1400B reaches the desired higherelevation of the tower 1100, the clutch 2200B is disengaged and thebrake 2400B engaged, allowing the elevator cage assembly 1400B to lowerthe block 1300 onto the beams 1180 of a row or floor 1140 (as discussedabove). Once the elevator cage assembly 1400B is empty (and the elevatorcage 1410 in the home position over the base 1420) and is ready to belowered, it can be lowered in the same manner described below forlowering the elevator cage assembly 1400A.

With continued reference to FIG. 30 , while the elevator cage assembly1400B is ready to be raised, the elevator cage assembly 1400A is at thehigher elevation ready to be lowered. At this higher location, theclutch 2200A has been disengaged and the brake 2400A engaged to allowthe elevator cage assembly 1400A to lower the block 1300 onto the beams1180 of a row or floor 1140 (as discussed above). Once the elevator cageassembly 1400A is empty (and the elevator cage 1410 in the home positionover the base 1420), the brake 2400A is disengaged and the clutch 2200Aremains disengaged, and the motor 2100 attached to the end 2330A of theshaft 2300A rotates the shaft 2300A in the opposite direction to quicklylower the elevator cage assembly 1400A to the lower elevation to pick upanother block 1300. The motor 2100 can optionally operate with avariable frequency drive to accurately position the elevator cageassembly 1400A when lowered. Once the elevator cage assembly 1400A haspicked up the block 1300 and is ready to be raised, it can be raised inthe same manner described above for raising the elevator cage assembly1400B.

In the manner described above, one of the clutches 2200A, 2200B isalways engaged and the other of the clutches 2200B, 2200A is alwaysdisengaged, and one of the elevator cage assemblies 1400A, 1400B isbeing raised while the other of the elevator cage assemblies 1400B,1400A is being lowered. Therefore, power continuity is achieved byreleasing one clutch (e.g., once a block 1300 has been raised and itselevator cage assembly is ready to be lowered) and engaging anotherclutch (e.g., once a block 1300 has been loaded onto an elevator cageassembly and ready to be raised). Advantageously, the motor 2100constantly operates on electrical grid power and does not utilize gearboxes or power electronics, thereby making the lift system 2000 lesscomplex and less costly. Additionally, while the motor 2100 isconstantly operating on electrical grid power, when it is not lifting aload the cost of electricity is relatively small.

To lower blocks 1300 from the higher elevation to the lower elevation ofthe tower 1100 to generate and deliver electricity (e.g., based on theforce or kinetic energy of the block 1300 being lowered), a modificationof the process described above for lowering the elevator cage assembly1400A is used. The circuitry of the asynchronous motor 2500 is opened,and the brake 2400A is released and the motor 2500 allowed to spin inthe opposite direction and generated electricity can be transferred tothe electrical grid. Once the elevator cage assembly 1400A reaches thelower elevation, the brake 2400A is engaged. The block 1300 can then betransferred to the row or floor 1140 as discussed above and the elevatorcage assembly 1400A raised to pick-up another block 1300. The sameapproach can be used to generate electricity with the elevator cageassembly 1400B when it is at a higher elevation, carrying a block 1300and ready to be lowered.

FIG. 31 is a schematic end view of the energy storage and deliverysystem or module 1000 illustrating the arrangement of blocks 1300 in theframe or tower 1100 and movement of blocks 1300 between rows 1140 in theupper section 1102 and rows 1140 of the lower section 1104 of the frameor tower 1100 to store energy or generate electricity. One of skill inthe art will recognize that process described below can be implementedin the energy storage system 1000′ in FIG. 3 and the energy storagesystem 1000″ in FIG. 4 , so that the description below also applies tothe systems 1000′, 1000″ in FIGS. 3-4 . Ballast weights or blocks 1300are moved from the rows or floors 1140 in the upper section 1102 tocorresponding rows or floors 1140 in the lower section 1104 to generateelectricity (e.g., via the motor-generator 1500 in FIG. 24 or 2500 inFIG. 28 ), for example for delivery to the electrical grid or for use ofby the intermediate section 1106 (e.g., to power a data center or powerlights for vertical farming). Ballast weights or blocks 1300 are movedfrom the rows or floors 1140 in the lower section 1104 to correspondingrows or floors 1140 in the upper section 1102 to store electrical energyas potential energy of the blocks 1300.

Ballast weights or blocks 1300 can be disposed in rows 1140 in the uppersection 1102 of the tower or frame 1100 (e.g., in rows U1 to U8). Blocks1300 in each row 1140 in the upper section 1102 can be movedhorizontally (in the X direction) by a trolley 1200 in each row U1-U8 tothe elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B to be lowered by its associatedelevator cage assembly 1400 vertically (in the Z direction) to acorresponding row 1140 (e.g., rows L1 to L8) in the lower section 1104.The blocks 1300 delivered to the rows L1 to L8 are moved horizontally bya trolley 1200 in each of the rows L1-L8. The blocks 1300 can be loweredby the elevator cage assembly 1400 via the elevator shafts 1130A, 1130Bat the ends of the rows 1140, for example via a sequence of movementsdescribed above in connection with FIGS. 8-23 . The elevator cageassembly 1400 and fixed elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B at the ends of therows 1140 provide for efficient, fast and guided movement of the blocks1300 between the upper section 1102 and the lower section 1104. Duringoperation of the energy storage and delivery system 1000, motion of theelevator cage assembly 1400 in the right elevator shaft 1130A isinterleaved with the motion of the elevator cage assembly 1400 in theleft elevator shaft 1130B as discussed below. Though the system 1000 inFIG. 31 shows eight rows U1-U8 in the upper section 1102 and eight rowsL1-L8 in the lower section 1104 that support blocks 1300, one of skillin the art will recognize that the number of rows 1140 can vary and thesame process described herein for moving blocks 1300 from a row 1140 inthe upper section 1102 to a corresponding row 1140 in a lower section1104, and how the blocks 1300 are distributed, applies irrespective ofthe total number of rows 1140 in the upper section 1102 and in the lowersection 1104.

With reference to FIG. 31 , every block 1300 removed from a row 1140 inthe upper section 1102 is advantageously replaced by another block 1300in the lower section 1104 so that the average foundation load and/oraverage distribution of load on the ground (e.g., foundation) of theframe or tower 1100 remains substantially constant (e.g., constant). Inone implementation, every block removed from a row 1140 in the uppersection 1102 is advantageously replaced by another block 1300 in a row1140 of the lower section 1104 in the same column 1120 location, suchthat the load remains the same in said column 1120. For example, wherethe upper section 1102 has eight rows U1-U8 filled with blocks 1300 andthe lower section 1104 has eight rows L1-L8 to which blocks 1300 can bemoved from the upper section 1102, there are eight blocks 1300 in anyone column 1120. During operation of the system 1000, each column 1120maintains the same number of blocks 1300 (e.g., eight blocks),advantageously maintaining the frame or tower 1100 under a balanced load(e.g., every column 1120 maintains substantially the same load).Therefore, the load on the foundation (or ground) of the frame or tower1100 does not change during operation of the system 1000, so thefoundation is advantageously not stressed (e.g., cyclically) orexperience differential settlement by the movement of the blocks 1300between the rows or floors 1140 in the upper section 1102 and the rowsor floors 1140 in the lower section 1104.

With continued reference to FIG. 31 , the blocks 1300 in row U1 in theupper section 1102 can be lowered to the row L1 in the lower section1104 to generate electricity. Similarly, blocks 1300 in row U2 can belowered to row L2, blocks 1300 in row U3 can be lowered to row L3,blocks 1300 in row U4 can be lowered to row L4, blocks 1300 in row U5can be lowered to row L5, blocks 1300 in row U6 can be lowered to rowL6, blocks 1300 in row U7 can be lowered to row L7, and blocks 1300 inrow U8 can be lowered to row L8. The blocks in any row 1140 in the uppersection 1102 travels the same vertical distance to the corresponding row1140 in the lower section 1104, such that each block 1300 experiencesthe same vertical jump. As shown in FIG. 31 , blocks 1300 in a subset ofthe rows 1140 (e.g., row U1, U3, U5 and U7) are lowered via one elevatorshaft 1130A and the rest of the rows 1140 (e.g., row U2, U4, U6 and U8)are lowered via the other elevator shaft 1130B. As discussed above, theintermediate section 1106 remains free of blocks and can be used forother purposes.

Blocks 1300 can be moved simultaneously between the upper section 1102and lower section 1104 via the elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B. Forexample, a block 1300 can be lowered from row U1 to row L1 via elevatorshaft 1130A and transferred to a trolley 1200 (e.g., in a reversesequence to that described above for FIGS. 8-14 ), which can move theblock 1300 horizontally toward the opposite end of the row L1 from thelocation on row U1 from which the block 1300 was taken. Substantiallysimultaneously, a block 1300 can be lowered from row U2 to row L2 viathe elevator shaft 1130B and transferred to a trolley 1200 (e.g., in areverse sequence to that described above for FIGS. 8-14 ), which canmove the block 1300 horizontally toward the opposite end of the row L2from the location on row U2 from which the block 1300 was taken. Asdiscussed above, this advantageously allows the average foundation loadand/or average distribution of load on the ground (e.g., foundation) ofthe frame or tower 1100 remains substantially constant.

Advantageously, the elevator cage assembly 1400 moves fast between therows U1-U8 in the upper section 1102 and the rows L1-L8 in the lowersection 1104 of the frame or tower 1100 (e.g., because the cost of thepower used to move the blocks 1300 decreases with the speed the blocks1300 are moved by the elevator cage assembly 1400). Because the elevatorcage assembly 1400 moves much faster than the trolley 1200, in oneimplementation the elevator cage assembly 1400 does not return to thesame row 1140 in the upper section 1102 until it after it has moved ablock 1300 from the rest of the rows 1140 in the upper section 1102 thatservice the associated elevator shaft 1130A, 1130B to theircorresponding rows 1140 in the lower section 1104.

FIGS. 32A-32D illustrate a process for moving the blocks 1300 from theupper section 1102 to the lower section 1104 via the elevator shafts1130A, 1130B (e.g., with the elevator cage assembly 1400) to generateelectricity. As shown in FIG. 32B, block A1 is moved via the elevatorshaft 1130A from one end of row U1 to row L1 and moved to the oppositeend of row L1 Similarly, block B1 is moved via the elevator shaft 1130Bfrom one end of row U2 to row L2 and moved to the opposite end of rowL2. Once block A1 has been delivered to row L1 as described above, theelevator cage in elevator shaft 1130A returns to the next row U3 in theupper section 1102 and moves block C1 via the elevator shaft 1130A toits corresponding row L3 in the lower section 1104, and moves the blockC1 to the opposite end of the row L3. Similarly, once block B1 has beendelivered to row L2 as described above, the elevator cage in elevatorshaft 1130B returns to the next row U4 in the upper section 1102 andmoves block D1 via the elevator shaft 1130B to its corresponding row L4in the lower section 1104, and moves the block D1 to the opposite end ofthe row L4. The process can continue in this fashion for the remainingrows in the upper section 102 (e.g., for rows U5 to U8 in FIG. 31 ).With continued reference to FIGS. 32B, once a block 1300 has beenlowered from each row (e.g., U1-U4) in the upper section 102 to itscorresponding row (e.g., L1-L4) in the lower section 104, the elevatorcages 1400 in the respective elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B again performthe same steps described above to move the next block (e.g., A2-D2) inthe rows (U1-U4) in the upper section 102 to their corresponding rows(L1-L4) in the lower section, as shown in FIG. 32C. Similarly, once thesecond block 1300 has been lowered from each row (e.g., U1-U4) in theupper section 102 to its corresponding row (e.g., L1-L4) in the lowersection 104, the elevator cages 1400 in the respective elevator shafts1130A, 1130B again perform the same steps described above to move thenext block (e.g., A3-D3) in the rows (U1-U4) in the upper section 102 totheir corresponding rows (L1-L4) in the lower section, as shown in FIG.32D, and so on. Because the elevator cage assembly 1400 travels muchfaster vertically along the elevator shafts 1130A, 1130B than thetrolley(s) 1200 travel horizontally along the rows 1140 (e.g., U1-U4and/or L1-L4), the sequence described above advantageously gives thetrolley 1200 sufficient time to travel along the row 1140 to pick-upanother block 1300 and move it proximate the elevator shaft 1130A, 1130Bby the time the elevator cage assembly 1400 travels to the same row,thereby allowing the system 1000 to operate efficiently. The processdescribed above advantageously allows the load on the foundation (e.g.,average load) and/or the distribution of load (e.g., average load) onthe ground (e.g., foundation) of the frame or tower 1100 remainssubstantially constant.

The block 1300 can optionally weigh between approximately 20 tons and 50tons, such as approximately 30 tons (e.g., 30 metric tons). However, inother examples, the block 1300 can weigh other suitable amounts.

The block 1300 can include a ballast mass (e.g., load-bearing fillermaterial), for example enclosed in the shell. In one example, theballast mass is of a different material than the material of the shell.For example, the ballast mass or load-bearing filler material can besoil, coal, fly ash, debris, demolition material, gravel, building wasteand/or recycled material mixed with and/or pressed with low-grade orinexpensive concrete, as discussed below. This advantageously reducesthe cost of manufacturing the block 1300 and provides a mechanism fordispensing of material (e.g., demolition material, building waste,debris, etc.) that would otherwise be sent to a landfill. In anotherexample, the ballast mass and shell are of the same material (e.g.,define a monolithic or single mass without any boundaries or seams).Advantageously, the block 1300 can be manufactured with materialsavailable near the location of the system 1000, 1000′, 1000″.Optionally, the block 1300 can be reinforced (e.g., with steel), such aswith one or more reinforcement layers of mesh steel or rebar (e.g.,structural steel).

The block 1300 can optionally be made at least in part of concrete(e.g., the shell of the block 1300 can be made of concrete).Advantageously, because concrete has a higher density than water, thevolume of the block 1300 can store more potential energy than acorresponding volume of water. In one example, at least a portion of theblock 1300 can be made of low grade concrete (e.g., having a compressionstrength lower than 10 MPa, such as 3-8 MPa).

The energy storage and delivery system 1000, 1000′, 1000″ is operable toconvert electrical energy or electricity into potential energy forstorage by lifting (e.g., vertically lifting) the blocks 1300 from alower elevation to a higher elevation, and to convert potential energyinto electrical energy or electricity by moving (e.g., verticallymoving, vertically lowering) one or more of the blocks 1300 from ahigher elevation to a lower elevation via gravity. The electricmotor-generator 1500 (see FIG. 24 , or 2500 in FIG. 28 ) can operate theelevator cage assembly 1400, to lift (e.g., vertically lift) one or moreof the blocks 1300 from a lower elevation and place the blocks 1300 at ahigher elevation Each of the blocks 1300 at the higher elevation storesan amount of potential energy corresponding to (e.g., proportional to)its mass and height differential between the lower elevation and thehigher elevation of the block 1300 (e.g., potentialenergy=mass×gravity×height above reference surface, such as groundlevel). The heavier the blocks 1300 and the higher they are raised, themore potential energy can be stored.

To convert the stored potential energy to electricity, the elevator cageassembly 1400 can move one or more of the blocks 1300 from a higherelevation to a lower elevation (e.g., vertically lower at leastpartially under the force of gravity) to drive the electricmotor-generator 1500 in FIG. 24 (or 2500 in FIG. 28 ) via one or morecables or steel ribbons to generate electricity, which can be deliveredto a power grid to which the motor-generator 1500 (or 2500 in FIG. 28 )is electrically connected. Power in the form of electricity is generatedeach time a block 1300 is lowered.

Advantageously, the energy storage and delivery system 1000, 1000′,1000″ can, for example, store electricity generated from solar power aspotential energy in the raised blocks 1300 during daytime hours whensolar power is available, and can convert the potential energy in theblocks 1300 into electricity during nighttime hours when solar energy isnot available by lowering one or more blocks 1300 and deliver theconverted electricity to the power grid.

Described herein are examples of an energy storage and delivery system(e.g., the energy storage and delivery system 1000, 1000′, 1000″)operable to convert electrical energy or electricity into potentialenergy for storage, and to convert potential energy into electricalenergy or electricity, for example, for delivery to an electrical grid.Advantageously, the energy storage system requires little to nomaintenance, and can operate decades (e.g., 30-50 years) withsubstantially no reduction in energy storage capacity.

In some implementations, the energy storage system described herein canstore approximately 10 megawatts-hour (MWh) or more of energy (e.g.,between 10 MWh and 100 MWh, such as 15 MWh, 20 MWh, 30 MWh, 50 MWh, 80MWh, 90 MWh) and deliver approximately 10 MWh or more of energy (e.g.,between 10 MWh and 100 MWh, such as 15 MWh, 20 MWh, 30 MWh, 50 MWh, 80MWh, 90 MWh) to the electrical grid. The energy storage system describedherein can deliver energy each hour (e.g., 1 MW up to 6 MW or more).However, in other implementations the energy storage and delivery systemdescribed herein can have other suitable energy storage and deliverycapacities (e.g., 1 MWh, 3 MWh, 5 MWh, etc.). In one implementation, theenergy storage and delivery system can optionally power approximately1000 homes or more for a day.

The energy storage and delivery system described herein canadvantageously be connected to a renewable energy (e.g., green energy)power generation system, such as, for example, a solar power energysystem, a wind energy power system (e.g., wind turbines), etc.Advantageously, during operation of the renewable energy powergeneration system (e.g., operation of the solar energy system duringdaylight hours, operation of the wind power system during windyconditions), the energy storage and delivery system captures theelectricity generated by the renewable energy power generation system.The energy storage and delivery system can later deliver the storedelectricity to the electrical grid when the renewable energy powergeneration system is not operable (e.g., at night time, during windlessconditions). Accordingly, the energy storage and delivery systemoperates like a battery for the renewable energy power generation systemand can deliver off-hours electricity from a renewable energy powergeneration system to the electrical grid.

In implementations described above, the energy storage and deliverysystem 1000, 1000′, 1000″ lifts blocks 1300 to store electrical energyas potential energy and lowers blocks 1300 to generate electricity. Inone implementation, the elevator cage assembly 1400 can be operated withexcess power from an electricity grid. The amount of energy recovered bythe energy storage system 1000, 1000′, 1000″ for every unit of energyused to lift the blocks 1300 can optionally be 80-90%.

Additional Embodiments

In embodiments of the present invention, an energy storage system, amethod of operating the same, and elevator cage assembly for use in thesame, may be in accordance with any of the following clauses:

Clause 1: An energy storage and delivery system, comprising:

-   -   one or more modules, each module comprising        -   a plurality of blocks, and        -   a frame having a vertical height above a foundation defined            by a plurality of rows that extend horizontally, the frame            including            -   an upper section having a first set of rows, each of the                first set of rows configured to receive and support a                plurality of blocks thereon,            -   a lower section having a second set of rows, each of the                second set of rows configured to receive and support a                plurality of blocks thereon,            -   an intermediate section between the upper section and                the lower section that is free of blocks,            -   a pair of elevator shafts disposed on opposite ends of                the plurality of rows, and            -   an elevator cage assembly movably disposed in each of                the pair of elevator shafts and operatively coupled to                an electric motor-generator, the elevator cage assembly                sized to receive and support one or more blocks therein,    -   wherein the elevator cage assembly in each of the pair of        elevator shafts is operable to move one or more blocks from        alternating rows of the second set of rows to corresponding        alternating rows of the first set of rows to store and amount of        electrical energy corresponding to a potential energy amount of        said blocks, and wherein the elevator cage assembly in each of        the pair of elevator shafts is operable to move one or more        blocks from alternating rows of the first set of rows to        corresponding alternating rows of the second set of rows under a        force of gravity to generate an amount of electricity, the        elevator cage assembly moving said blocks between each of the        second set of rows and each of the corresponding first set of        rows along a same vertical distance.

Clause 2: The system of clause 1, wherein the intermediate section isconfigured to house one or more vertical farming units.

Clause 3: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the elevator cageassembly in each of the pair or elevator shafts is operable to move theblocks between the first set of rows and the second set of rows so thatthe average distribution of load on the foundation of the module remainssubstantially constant.

Clause 4: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the frame includesa plurality of columns defined by one or more pillars that support beamsthereon, each pair of beams defining a row in the first and second setof rows that extends orthogonal to the columns, the beams configured tosupport the blocks on a top surface thereof, each beams having alongitudinal channel below the top surface.

Clause 5: The system of clause 4, further comprising a plurality ofcross-members that extend between the columns and provide diagonalbracing therebetween along a length of the rows.

Clause 6: The system of clause 4, wherein each row in one or both of thefirst set of rows and the second set of rows includes a trolley movablycoupled between the pair of beams that define the row, the trolleyconfigured to extend between the channels of the pair of beams thatdefine the row and travel below the blocks disposed on the pair of beamsthat define the row, the trolley operable to lift a block above the pairof beams and to move said block horizontally along the row.

Clause 7: The system of clause 6, wherein the trolley comprises wheelassemblies that extend within the channel of the pair of beams, a framethat extends between the pair of beams, and support pistons operable tolift the block above the pair of beams for horizontal movement of theblock along the row and operable to lower the block onto the pair ofbeams to fix a position of the block on the row.

Clause 8: The system of clause 6, wherein the elevator cage assemblycomprises an elevator cage movably coupled to a base, the elevator cageconfigured to move laterally relative to the base to facilitatepositioning of a bottom support of the elevator cage under a block topick up the block.

Clause 9: The system of clause 8, wherein the elevator cage picks-up theblock from a row by actuating one or more support members movablycoupled to the bottom support of the elevator cage to lift the block offthe pair of beams of the row.

Clause 10: The system of clause 8, wherein the elevator cage assemblycomprises a sliding mechanism interposed between the base and theelevator cage that includes a linear actuator actuatable to move theelevator cage laterally relative to the base of the elevator cageassembly.

Clause 11: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the one or moremodules are four modules in a square arrangement in plan view so thatthe rows of each module extend orthogonal to the rows in adjacentmodules to thereby provide the four modules with automatic bracingagainst wind and seismic forces.

Clause 12: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the one or moremodules are two modules arranged in-line so that the rows of each moduleare substantially aligned.

Clause 13: An energy storage and delivery system, comprising:

-   -   a plurality of blocks, and    -   a frame having a vertical height above a foundation defined by a        plurality of rows that extend horizontally, the frame including        -   an upper section having a first set of rows, each of the            first set of rows configured to receive and support a            plurality of blocks thereon,        -   a lower section having a second set of rows, each of the            second set of rows configured to receive and support a            plurality of blocks thereon,        -   an intermediate section between the upper section and the            lower section that is free of blocks,        -   a pair of elevator shafts disposed on opposite ends of the            plurality of rows;    -   a trolley movably coupled to each row in one or both of the        first set of rows and the second set of rows, the trolley        operable to travel beneath the blocks in the row and configured        to lift a block for movement of said block horizontally along        the row; and    -   an elevator cage assembly movably disposed in each of the pair        of elevator shafts and operatively coupled to an electric        motor-generator, the elevator cage assembly sized to hold and        support the block therein while moving along the elevator shaft,        the elevator cage assembly comprising an elevator cage movably        coupled to a base via a sliding mechanism, the sliding mechanism        comprising a linear actuator selectively actuatable to laterally        displace the elevator cage relative to the base of the elevator        cage assembly,    -   wherein the elevator cage assembly in each of the pair of        elevator shafts is operable to move one or more blocks from        alternating rows of the second set of rows to corresponding        alternating rows of the first set of rows to store and amount of        electrical energy corresponding to a potential energy amount of        said blocks, and wherein the elevator cage assembly in each of        the pair of elevator shafts is operable to move one or more of        the blocks from alternating rows of the first set of rows to        corresponding alternating rows of the second set of rows under a        force of gravity to generate an amount of electricity, the        elevator cage assembly moving said blocks between each of the        second set of rows and each of the corresponding first set of        rows along a same vertical distance.

Clause 14: The system of clause 13, wherein the intermediate section isconfigured to house one or more vertical farming units.

Clause 15: The system of any of clauses 13-14, wherein the elevator cagein each of the pair or elevator shafts is operable to move the blocksbetween the first set of rows and the second set of rows so that theaverage distribution of load on the foundation of the module remainssubstantially constant.

Clause 16: The system of any of clauses 13-15, wherein each row in oneor both of the first set of rows and the second set of rows is definedby a pair of beams, the trolley movably coupled between the pair ofbeams.

Clause 17: A method for storing and generating electricity via an energystorage and delivery system of any preceding clause, comprising:

-   -   operating a pair of elevator cage assemblies on opposite ends of        a plurality of rows of a frame to move a plurality of blocks        between a first set of rows in an upper section of the frame and        a corresponding second set of rows in a lower section of the        frame disposed below an intermediate section of the frame that        is free of the blocks,    -   wherein operating each of the pair of elevator cage assemblies        includes        -   positioning the elevator cage assembly at or near a row,        -   moving an elevator cage laterally in a first direction            relative to a base of the elevator cage assembly to position            a bottom support of the elevator cage under a block on the            row,        -   actuating one or more movable supports coupled to the bottom            support to lift the block off the row,        -   moving the elevator cage laterally in a second direction            opposite the first direction relative to the base of the            elevator cage assembly to position the elevator cage over            the base, and        -   moving the elevator cage assembly vertically along its            associated elevator shaft, the elevator cage assemblies            moving said blocks between each of the second set of rows            and each of the corresponding first set of rows by an equal            vertical distance.

Clause 18: The method of clause 17, wherein moving the one or moreblocks from alternating rows of the second set of rows to correspondingalternating rows of the first set of rows or moving the one or moreblocks from alternating rows of the first set of rows to correspondingalternating rows of the second set of rows includes positioning theblocks so that the average distribution of load on a foundation of theframe remains substantially constant.

Clause 19: The method of any of clauses 17-18, wherein moving the one ormore blocks from alternating rows of the second set of rows tocorresponding alternating rows of the first set of rows includessequentially moving a block from each of the alternating rows of thesecond set of rows to the corresponding alternating rows of the firstset of rows before returning to a first of the alternating rows of thesecond set of rows.

Clause 20: The method of any of clauses 17-19, wherein moving the one ormore blocks from alternating rows of the first set of rows tocorresponding alternating rows of the second set of rows includessequentially moving a block from each of the alternating rows of thefirst set of rows to the corresponding alternating rows of the secondset of rows before returning to a first of the alternating rows of thefirst set of rows.

Clause 21: The method of any of clauses 17-20, wherein moving the one ormore blocks from alternating rows of the second set of rows tocorresponding alternating rows of the first set of rows includessimultaneously moving a block from each of the alternating rows of thesecond set of rows to the corresponding alternating rows of the firstset of rows.

Clause 22: The method of any of clauses 17-21, wherein moving the one ormore blocks from alternating rows of the first set of rows tocorresponding alternating rows of the second set of rows includessimultaneously moving a block from each of the alternating rows of thefirst set of rows to the corresponding alternating rows of the secondset of rows.

Clause 23: The method of any of clauses 17-22, wherein moving the one ormore of the plurality blocks from alternating rows of the second set ofrows to corresponding alternating rows of the first set of rows includeshorizontally moving the one or more blocks along the one or more rows ofthe second set of rows with a trolley that travels under the blocks andselectively lifts the blocks above beams of the rows to deliver the oneor more blocks to an end portion of the row.

Clause 24: The method of clause 23, wherein moving an elevator cagelaterally in a first direction relative to a base of the elevator cageassembly to position a bottom support of the elevator cage under a blockon the row comprises actuating a linear actuator of a sliding mechanisminterposed between the base and the elevator cage of the elevator cageassembly to laterally move the elevator cage relative to the base.

Clause 25: A method for storing and generating electricity with anenergy storage and delivery system of any preceding claim, comprising:

-   -   horizontally moving one or more blocks along a row of a first        set of rows in an upper section of a frame with a trolley toward        an end portion of the row; and    -   operating an elevator cage assembly to vertically move the one        or more blocks to a row of a second set of rows of the frame        under a force of gravity to generate an amount of electricity        via an electric motor-generator electrically coupled to the        elevator cages,    -   wherein operating the elevator cage assembly includes        -   positioning the elevator cage assembly at or near the row,        -   moving an elevator cage laterally in a first direction            relative to a base of the elevator cage assembly to position            a bottom support of the elevator cage under a block at the            end portion of the row,        -   actuating one or more movable supports coupled to the bottom            support to lift the block off the row,        -   moving the elevator cage laterally in a second direction            opposite the first direction relative to the base of the            elevator cage assembly to position the elevator cage over            the base, and    -   moving the elevator cage assembly vertically along its        associated elevator shaft.

Clause 26: The method of clause 25, wherein operating the elevator cageassembly further comprises

-   -   vertically moving the block to a desired row,    -   generally aligning the elevator cage assembly with the row,    -   moving an elevator cage laterally in the first direction        relative to the base of the elevator cage assembly to position        the block over the end portion of the row,    -   actuating one or more movable supports coupled to the bottom        support to lower the block onto the end portion of the row,    -   moving the elevator cage laterally in a second direction        opposite the first direction relative to the base of the        elevator cage assembly to position the elevator cage over the        base, and    -   moving the elevator cage assembly vertically along its        associated elevator shaft.

Clause 27: An elevator cage assembly for use in an energy storage anddelivery system of any preceding claim to move blocks between a lowerelevation of a tower and a higher elevation of a tower to store energyand to move blocks between the higher elevation of the tower and thelower elevation of the tower under force of gravity to generateelectricity, the elevator cage assembly comprising:

-   -   an elevator cage comprising a top support coupleable to one or        more cables or ribbons, a rear support attached to the top        support and a bottom support attached to the rear support, the        elevator cage having a C shaped side profile;    -   a base disposed below the elevator cage; and    -   a sliding mechanism interposed between the elevator cage and the        base and actuatable to laterally displace the elevator cage        relative to the base.

Clause 28: The elevator cage of clause 27, wherein the sliding mechanismcomprises a linear actuator actuatable to laterally displace theelevator cage relative to the base.

Clause 29: The elevator cage of any of clauses 27-28, wherein the bottomsupport comprises one or more support members actuatable to extend todifferent heights relative to the bottom support, the one or moresupport members configured to support a block thereon.

While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, theseembodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are notintended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methodsand systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of otherforms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in thesystems and methods described herein may be made without departing fromthe spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and theirequivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as wouldfall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, thescope of the present inventions is defined only by reference to theappended claims.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunctionwith a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood tobe applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described inthis section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatibletherewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or allof the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined inany combination, except combinations where at least some of suchfeatures and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is notrestricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protectionextends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the featuresdisclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims,abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination,of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure inthe context of separate implementations can also be implemented incombination in a single implementation. Conversely, various featuresthat are described in the context of a single implementation can also beimplemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitablesubcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimedcombination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and thecombination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of asubcombination.

Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or describedin the specification in a particular order, such operations need not beperformed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or thatall operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Otheroperations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in theexample methods and processes. For example, one or more additionaloperations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or betweenany of the described operations. Further, the operations may berearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken inthe processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shownin the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the stepsdescribed above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, thefeatures and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above maybe combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all ofwhich fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, theseparation of various system components in the implementations describedabove should not be understood as requiring such separation in allimplementations, and it should be understood that the describedcomponents and systems can generally be integrated together in a singleproduct or packaged into multiple products.

For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novelfeatures are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages maybe achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, forexample, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure maybe embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or agroup of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheradvantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unlessspecifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within thecontext as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without userinput or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps areincluded or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generallyintended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of atleast one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,”“about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent avalue, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, orcharacteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves adesired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”,“generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is withinless than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, withinless than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. Asanother example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel”and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristicthat departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees,10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by thespecific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section orelsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims aspresented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or aspresented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpretedbroadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited tothe examples described in the present specification or during theprosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed asnon-exclusive.

What is claimed is:
 1. An energy storage and delivery system,comprising: one or more modules, each module comprising: a frame havinga vertical height above a foundation defined by a plurality of rows thatextend horizontally, the frame comprising: an upper section having afirst set of rows, each of the first set of rows configured to receiveand support a plurality of blocks thereon; a lower section having asecond set of rows, each of the second set of rows configured to receiveand support the plurality of blocks thereon; an intermediate sectionbetween the upper section and the lower section; a pair of elevatorshafts disposed on opposite ends of the plurality of rows; and anelevator cage assembly movably disposed in each of the pair of elevatorshafts and operatively coupled to an electric motor-generator, theelevator cage assembly sized to receive and support one or more blockstherein; wherein the elevator cage assembly in each of the pair ofelevator shafts is operable to pick-up and move one or more blocks fromalternating rows of the second set of rows to corresponding alternatingrows of the first set of rows to store and amount of electrical energycorresponding to a potential energy amount of said blocks, and whereinthe elevator cage assembly in each of the pair of elevator shafts isoperable to pick up and move one or more blocks from alternating rows ofthe first set of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the secondset of rows under a force of gravity to generate an amount ofelectricity, the elevator cage assembly moving said blocks between eachof the second set of rows and each of the corresponding first set ofrows along a same vertical distance.
 2. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a lift drive system for moving the elevator cage assembly,wherein the lift drive system comprises an electric motor-generatorhaving a shaft over which one or more cables that couple to the elevatorcage assembly extend, the one or more cables extending around a pulleydisposed vertically above the elevator cage assembly to maintain the oneor more cables orientated substantially vertically as the elevator cageassembly moves up and down the elevator shaft to inhibit applying amoment on the elevator cage assembly.
 3. The system of claim 1, whereinthe elevator cage assembly in each of the pair of elevator shafts isoperable to move the blocks between the first set of rows and the secondset of rows so that an average distribution of load on the foundation ofthe module remains substantially constant.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the frame comprises a plurality of columns defined by one ormore pillars that support pairs of beams thereon, each pair of beamsdefining a row in the first set of rows and the second set of rows thatextends orthogonal to the columns, the pair of beams configured tosupport the blocks on a top surface thereof, each pair of beams having alongitudinal channel below the top surface.
 5. The system of claim 4,further comprising a plurality of cross-members that extend between thecolumns and provide diagonal bracing therebetween along a length of therows.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein each row in one or both of thefirst set of rows and the second set of rows comprises a trolley movablycoupled between the pair of beams that define the row, wherein thetrolley is configured to extend between the channels of the pair ofbeams that define the row and travel below the blocks disposed on thepair of beams that define the row, wherein the trolley is operable tolift a block above the pair of beams and move said block horizontallyalong the row.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the trolley compriseswheel assemblies that extend within the channel of the pair of beams, atrolley frame that extends between the pair of beams, and supportpistons operable to lift the block above the pair of beams forhorizontal movement of the block along the row and operable to lower theblock onto the pair of beams to fix a position of the block on the row.8. The system of claim 1, wherein the elevator cage assembly comprisesan elevator cage movably coupled to a base, the elevator cage configuredto move laterally relative to the base to facilitate positioning of abottom support of the elevator cage under a block to pick up the block.9. The system of claim 8, wherein the elevator cage picks-up the blockfrom a row by actuating one or more support members movably coupled tothe bottom support of the elevator cage to lift the block off the pairof beams of the row.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the elevatorcage assembly comprises a sliding mechanism interposed between the baseand the elevator cage that includes a linear actuator actuatable to movethe elevator cage laterally relative to the base of the elevator cageassembly.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more modules arefour modules in a square arrangement in plan view so that the rows ofeach module extend orthogonal to the rows in adjacent modules to therebyprovide the four modules with automatic bracing against wind and seismicforces.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more modules aretwo modules arranged in-line, wherein the rows of each module aresubstantially aligned.
 13. An energy storage and delivery system,comprising: a frame having a vertical height above a foundation definedby a plurality of rows that extend horizontally, the frame comprising:an upper section having a first set of rows, each of the first set ofrows configured to receive and support a plurality of blocks; a lowersection having a second set of rows, each of the second set of rowsconfigured to receive and support the plurality of blocks; anintermediate section between the upper section and the lower section;and a pair of elevator shafts disposed on opposite ends of the pluralityof rows; a trolley movably coupled to each row in one or both of thefirst set of rows and the second set of rows, the trolley operable totravel beneath the blocks in the row and configured to lift a block formovement of said block horizontally along the row; and an elevator cageassembly movably disposed in each of the pair of elevator shafts andoperatively coupled to an electric motor-generator, the elevator cageassembly sized to hold and support the block therein while moving alongthe elevator shaft, the elevator cage assembly comprising an elevatorcage movably coupled to a base via a sliding mechanism, the slidingmechanism comprising a linear actuator selectively actuatable tolaterally displace the elevator cage relative to the base of theelevator cage assembly; wherein the elevator cage assembly in each ofthe pair of elevator shafts is operable to move one or more blocks fromalternating rows of the second set of rows to corresponding alternatingrows of the first set of rows to store and amount of electrical energycorresponding to a potential energy amount of said blocks, and whereinthe elevator cage assembly in each of the pair of elevator shafts isoperable to move one or more of the blocks from alternating rows of thefirst set of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the second set ofrows under a force of gravity to generate an amount of electricity, theelevator cage assembly moving said blocks between each of the second setof rows and each of the corresponding first set of rows along a samevertical distance.
 14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a liftdrive system for moving the elevator cage assembly, wherein the liftdrive system comprises an electric motor-generator having a shaft overwhich one or more cables that couple to the elevator cage assemblyextend, the one or more cables extending around a pulley disposedvertically above the elevator cage assembly to maintain the one or morecables orientated substantially vertically as the elevator cage assemblymoves up and down the frame to inhibit applying a moment on the elevatorcage assembly.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the pulley isactuatable to move laterally as the elevator cage moves relative to thebase of the elevator cage assembly to maintain the one or more cablesoriented substantially vertically as the elevator cage moves in and outrelative to a row to inhibit applying a moment on the elevator cage. 16.The system of claim 13, wherein the elevator cage in each of the pair ofelevator shafts is operable to move the blocks between the first set ofrows and the second set of rows so that an average distribution of loadon the foundation of the frame remains substantially constant.
 17. Thesystem of claim 13, wherein each row in one or both of the first set ofrows and the second set of rows is defined by a pair of beams, whereinthe trolley movably coupled between the pair of beams.
 18. An energystorage and delivery system, comprising: a frame having a verticalheight above a foundation defined by a plurality of rows that extendhorizontally, the frame comprising: an upper section having a first setof rows, each of the first set of rows configured to receive and supporta plurality of blocks; a lower section having a second set of rows, eachof the second set of rows configured to receive and support theplurality of blocks; an intermediate section between the upper sectionand the lower section; and a pair of elevator shafts disposed onopposite ends of the plurality of rows; and an elevator cage assemblymovably disposed in each of the pair of elevator shafts and operativelycoupled to an electric motor-generator, the elevator cage assembly sizedto hold and support the block therein while moving along the elevatorshaft, the elevator cage assembly comprising an elevator cage movablycoupled to a base to allow for lateral displacement of the elevator cagerelative to the base; wherein the elevator cage assembly in each of thepair of elevator shafts is operable to move one or more blocks fromalternating rows of the second set of rows to corresponding alternatingrows of the first set of rows to store and amount of electrical energycorresponding to a potential energy amount of said blocks, and whereinthe elevator cage assembly in each of the pair of elevator shafts isoperable to move one or more of the blocks from alternating rows of thefirst set of rows to corresponding alternating rows of the second set ofrows under a force of gravity to generate an amount of electricity. 19.The system of claim 18, further comprising a lift drive system formoving the elevator cage assembly, wherein the lift drive systemcomprises an electric motor-generator having a shaft over which one ormore cables that couple to the elevator cage assembly extend, the one ormore cables extending around a pulley disposed vertically above theelevator cage assembly to maintain the one or more cables orientatedsubstantially vertically as the elevator cage assembly moves up and downthe frame to inhibit applying a moment on the elevator cage assembly.20. The system of claim 19, wherein the pulley is actuatable to movelaterally as the elevator cage moves relative to the base of theelevator cage assembly to maintain the one or more cables orientedsubstantially vertically as the elevator cage moves in and out relativeto a row to inhibit applying a moment on the elevator cage.